Everything worth doing in London this winter, from November to January: skating, lights, markets, Kew, exhibitions, shows and New Year’s Eve, with dates.
Things to do in London this winter: the 2026 to 2027 guide
The short version: London is at its best between mid-November and early January. Skate at Somerset House or Battersea Power Station, walk the West End Christmas lights, visit Kew’s light trail, catch a show and see one of the big exhibitions, such as Van Eyck at the National Gallery. Most outdoor events open between 31 October and 19 November, and the best December dates sell out.
This is our hub for the whole season. Each section links to a full guide with dates, prices and booking tips.
London this winter at a glance
| What | Dates | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Ice skating | From 31 Oct (Leicester Square) | Ice skating |
| Christmas lights | From 4 Nov | Christmas lights |
| Christmas markets | From 31 Oct | Christmas markets |
| Winter Wonderland | 19 Nov to 3 Jan | Winter Wonderland |
| Christmas at Kew | 13 Nov to 3 Jan | Christmas at Kew |
| Van Eyck exhibition | 21 Nov to 11 Apr | Van Eyck |
| World Darts Championship | 11 Dec to 3 Jan | Darts |
| New Year’s Eve fireworks | 31 Dec | NYE |
November: the season starts
Early November is the best time of the whole winter for getting things done before the crowds. The first lights switch on in Carnaby (4 November) and Regent Street (5 November), Bonfire Night is on 5 November with the big displays on 7 and 8 November, and the Spirit of Christmas Fair runs at Olympia from 2 to 8 November.
Mid-month brings Skate at Somerset House (11 November), the Covent Garden switch-on (12 November), Christmas at Kew (13 November), the London Jazz Festival (13 to 22 November) and the Lord Mayor’s Show (14 November). The new London Museum opens at Smithfield on 28 November.
See things to do in London in November and this week’s guide.
December: the busiest month
December is when everything is open and everything is busy. Book ahead for weekends, especially for shows, skating and light trails. Highlights include the Polar Express from Euston (5 to 23 December), Christmas shows such as A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic, panto, and Christmas at Hampton Court.
For grown-ups, the Christmas bars open in November, including Miracle on Russell Street and Mariah Carey’s Holiday Bar. See Christmas bars in London.
January: quieter, cheaper, still festive
Many winter events run into early January, when London is noticeably calmer. Winter Wonderland and Kew run until 3 January, Somerset House’s rink until 10 January and Hogwarts in the Snow until 17 January. The World Darts Championship final is at Alexandra Palace on 3 January.
Exhibitions worth booking
This winter has a strong line-up: Van Eyck: The Portraits at the National Gallery, Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant at Tate Britain, the last weeks of Frida Kahlo at Tate Modern, and the Winston Taylor Photo Portrait Prize at the National Portrait Gallery. See art exhibitions in London this winter.
Free winter ideas
- Walk the West End lights with our Christmas lights walk
- Browse the Christmas markets, nearly all free to enter
- Spend a wet afternoon in the free museums. See London when it rains
- Book the Sky Garden for a free view over the City
Practical tips for winter in London
- Sunset is around 4pm in December, so plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning
- Bring a waterproof layer. Rain is more common than snow
- Bank holidays are 25 and 28 December and 1 January. See bank holidays 2026 and 2027
- Check TfL for engineering works before travelling on bank holidays
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in London in winter?
Ice skating, Christmas lights, markets, Winter Wonderland, Kew’s light trail, Christmas shows, big exhibitions and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
When do London’s Christmas events start?
Leicester Square opens on 31 October, the first lights switch on on 4 and 5 November, and most events are open by 19 November.
Is London busy in January?
Less so. Early January is quieter, and several winter events run until 3 January or later.
Sources
- Londonist: Christmas 2026 dates
- Time Out: Christmas light switch-on dates 2026
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
- IanVisits: Van Eyck at the National Gallery
- Alexandra Palace: World Darts Championship
Last checked: 1 November 2026. Each linked guide is checked against the organiser and a second source. Image: traveljunction, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
